Twelfth Negotiations; Dictated;

[buryyoualive]

[Lilah speaks into the journal, trying to hide how annoyed she was by the whole situation.As nice as a week and a half cruise was I definitely could have done without coming back to the castle being a wreck. And more specifically, my own things being wrecked

Comments

[demonologist]

[Wes had read Lilah's message the night before, but hadn't really been in the right mood or condition to attempt a conversation.

He's out and about in town around noon the next day, trying to run some quick errands, when he spots her seated at a cafe on the main street. Wes approaches, adopting what he hopes is a suitably casual expression.]

Contemplating finally making the move, are you?

[buryyoualive]

[Without even looking up, she knows who's speaking to her. She'd recognize his voice anywhere. She hasn't seen him since the barbeque, and for the most part, that's suited her just fine with everything that happened that day.

But if his presence bothers her now, she hides it well.]

I am. Coming home to all my things wrecked was apparently the final push I needed.

[demonologist]

Well, I can safely say that I haven't regretted the move once.

[He pauses, recognising that she's choosing not to look up at him. It's his own fault really, for pushing her as hard as he had. But he can't seem to let it go. As much as he has denied it, Lilah means something to him and if she's in trouble, he wants to help her through whatever it is.]

May I...join you?

[buryyoualive]

I can see why you wouldn't.

[At his question she finally looks up at him, meeting his gaze. She nods. She'd rather he not, in all honesty, but she would never let that show.]

You may.

[demonologist]

[Wes orders a latte and takes the empty seat opposite her. He's well aware of the awkwardness which is lingering from the housewarming party. Their argument upstairs and Lilah catching him about to kiss Fred and him bolting from the situation. There's almost an apology on his lips but to bring it up will only add to the discomfort. So, he focuses on other topics.]

I understand you were on the luxury cruise liner, how was that?

[buryyoualive]

[She's glad, at least, for the choice of discussion. It's less awkward than most of the topics they could talk about.]

It was nice. Like a vacation I never would have had time for back home. [Except for Stefan trying to feed on her, and though she's not compelled to keep that one a secret, she does anyways. She doesn't need him fussing over her. She wasn't that weak.]

[demonologist]

What did you get to do on your cruise? I've never actually been on one before.

[He isn't going to point out how horrible his own experiences were, but if she asks, he'll fill her in.]

[buryyoualive]

I had never actually been on one before. For the most part it was lounging around the boat, drinking, and then exploring the two islands we visited. It was a little boring at times, but I'll take that any day over the excitement I heard the other boats had.

[demonologist]

Yes. It wasn't a particularly pleasant couple of weeks for our ship, the Jolly Roger.

[He confesses, but doesn't elaborate.]

Did you get yourself a tan?

[buryyoualive]

I can't imagine it was. The tidbits I read over the journals made all the other stuff sounds like loads of not fun. Glad I skipped out on that, even if it wasn't by choice,

[At his question, she grins a little.]

I did. I have to say there's something incredibly enjoyable about laying out on a beach in the sun with a drink in hand. It's a shame Wolfram and Hart never offered paid vacations.

[demonologist]

That seems a shame. One would think they'd like to give some incentives to their employees, or was it really the threat of potential disembowelment or flaying which kept everyone in line?

[He keeps his tone light, not really trying to make some kind of moral point.]

I did manage to acquire some rum at one port. But it wasn't exactly of a refined quality.

[buryyoualive]

[The smirk only grows at that.] Now, if I go around giving away company secrets I'll have to kill you. [The banter almost feels natural. Like old times, before everything got so tense and awkward with him. Almost.]

Well, unrefined is better than nothing? I imagine it was at least good enough to cut the edge down a little.

[demonologist]

[He makes himself chuckle softly, even though a part of him is still thinking of the secrets she's keeping from him.]

Of course, death here is no longer something of permanence. Not that I intend to experience it any time soon, mind.

It was. Barely. I have to admit that not having the usual amenities or creature comforts did make me appreciate what I do have now, in town.

[His coffee arrived and he took a sip, emitting a tiny grateful sigh without meaning to. It was certainly proving his point. As fascinating as a world change might be, he could have done without the 'excitement'.]

[buryyoualive]

It'd still be annoying to die and come back, I'd imagine. [She mused with another smile, as if on her own private joke. And she sort of was. Even back home death wouldn't be totally permanent, what with the perputuity clause in her contract and everything.]

Well, you know what they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that jazz. At least when you got back you didn't find your things ransacked.

[demonologist]

[Wes looks down at his latte for a while, as if contemplating whether to broach a subject or not. Then he lifts his gaze to meet hers.]

If you're serious about moving out of the castle, there are a few reputable realtors I could recommend. One of them, Vivienne, was particularly helpful and would likely have something on her books suitable to your tastes.

[He's seen her old apartment, after all.]

[buryyoualive]

[She nods her head a little, meeting his gaze as if to acknowledge that he would know what sort of places she might like.]

I'll keep her in mind for when I start seriously looking.

[She picks up her own almost empty cup of coffee now, draining the last of it.]